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LAist Investigation Re-ignites State Bill Calling For Rental Registry
(Dan Carino for LAist)
A state assemblywoman wants to collect new data on rental housing in California. The new bill from Oakland lawmaker Buffy Wicks, AB 2406, would track rents, vacancies, ownership and more for landlords with at least 5 units.
Wicks pledged to re-introduce the bill after KPCC broadcast our special report, STUCK, which shined a light on the lack of public information about landlords in California. "I'm bringing the bill back," she said. "It's my number one priority."
We found a rental empire spanning the state, with a track record of dirty, dangerous and even deadly conditions.
Wicks said the data will help California figure out how to address its housing crisis. Currently, she told LAist:
"It's really hard to get information about what's happening. It's hard for the tenants to do that. It's hard for journalists to do it, it's hard for lawmakers to do it. So that's why I think the rental registry is really important."
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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